How can anyone with an ounce of compassion be proud of killing these magnificent creatures? Lions, leopards, sable antelopes, giraffes and all the other sport or trophy animals are beautiful – but only in life.

So what is trophy hunting?

Trophy hunting is the hunting of wild game for "sport" where individuals seek out "prizes" of animal body parts. Africa's "big five" (a term coined by big game hunters to describe the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot) are the most frequently targeted: lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards and buffalo. Four of these species are already on the endangered species list. This sad "sport" is even encouraged by monetary prizes from pro-hunting organizations.

Unfortunately, yes. Read more here about CITES regulations and about placing Lions under Appendix I (currently under Appendix II) to secure the most protection. If lions reach this level of protection, hunting operations would be forced to demonstrate "a certain level of sustainability by setting science-based quotas, establishing non-detriment findings, and requiring import and export permits for all trophies."

What is the argument used in favor of trophy hunting?

Those in favor of trophy hunting advocate for its use as a conservation strategy. They maintain that the excessive amount of money spent on these hunts is put back into local villages' conservation efforts and eliminates "weak animals" from the population. However…

Below is a timeline showing both the forwards and backwards motion being taken in the name of trophy hunting:

How can you make a difference?

The death of Cecil is said to have changed the way that the public interacts with conservation due to the massive support that the Oxford scientists received after the event. Now, as we reflect on the death of his son, we must rally to change this situation for the better. Tragedies like the death of Cecil, and now Xanda, outline the many conservation challenges we face together. Xanda was shot just one mile outside of the protected park, as Xanda's pride would move in and out of this area. Now, scientists are calling for a no-hunting zone 3 miles around the park to better protect these animals. It is this kind of thinking that will enable us to better protect animals outside of the traditional "park" only model, along with education, and stricter regulations. Cecil's death spurred the U.N. to adopt it's first resolution to combat illegal trafficking, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife listed lions as endangered in 2016, making it more difficult for trophies to be imported. Still, there are fewer than 30,000 lions in the wild, and we must each do something to protect them from extinction.

Here's what you can do:

– Find out the latest CITES regulations on trophy hunting in various countries.

– Use your voice and platform. No matter how far away your location or contacts may seem from the issue, every action to defend animals helps. If airlines hadn't used their platform to regulate the transport of trophies, we wouldn't have the strict import rules in place today. Consider using social media, as it is Jane's 5th Reason for Hope, and was part of the outcry that supported Oxford scientists after Cecil's death. Share this story on Twitter by clicking here.